Image source: NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF SCOTLAND
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A team of scientists in Scotland Revealing the discovery of fossilized remains of a 5-meter aquatic reptile that is as old as 240 million years old in the Triassic period. This ancient reptile has been dubbed the “dragon” because The neck is extremely long.
This ancient water-dwelling reptile was named Dinocephalosaurus. orientalis (Dinocephalosaurus orientalis), a species that was first discovered in 2003
Such fossils It was discovered in an ancient limestone deposit in southern China. This amazing new fossil This allows scientists to see the anatomy of bizarre prehistoric animals.
Dr Nick Fraser from the National Museums of Scotland One of the researchers studying the fossil said this was the first time scientists had seen the full anatomy of an animal he described as ” “A very strange creature”
“It has limbs like flippers. and its neck was longer than its body and tail combined,” Dr Fraser said.
Image source: MARLENE DONNELLY
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Paintings from artists Shows animals of the species Dinocephalosaurus. orientalis Swim with prehistoric fish
The researcher predicts that From the characteristics of this animal which has a long neck Bendable and flexible This, along with having 32 vertebrae, may be useful for hunting. making the Dinocephalosaurus species orientalis Can be used to find prey in various corners underwater.
“This discovery “It adds to the strangeness of the Triassic period,” Dr Fraser told the BBC. “And every time we search these sites We always find new things.”
Research published on the discovery of this new set of fossils It has been published in the journal Environmental and Earth Sciences. Supported by the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
